Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A party for all ages!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - A Party For All Ages!
Good Morning!
Sunrise was almost black and white this morning....I thought if I was going to share almost black and white photos, flying dolphins would be more fun!
Late yesterday afternoon after the rain stopped I was in the lagoon with a solo Momma and her baby for an hour when out of the blue the male dolphins came to play!
M, Charley, Cutter, Daniko started flying about 15 feet away. So exciting! The joy called to surrounding dolphins becasue a few minutes later more Momma's and their calves came and the party continued. All ages joined in the fish fest, snuggles, leaping, twist and shouting, back flipping kind of fun!
Wishing you a flipping good day friends!
Rainy Day snuggles
We are having another rainy overcast morning so thought I'd share a favorite snuggle fest. These are from August when a herd of manatees were snuggling in the shallow water at sunrise.
Wishing you a hug filled day!
A video of the snuggles https://youtu.be/O5HnqkJTCEY
A video of the manatees kicking it to get out of the shallow and into deeper water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhT49diDmCk
Knock knock
A heavy layer of clouds enveloped the ocean and shore like a cozy blanket. Sweet pastel colors filled the sky giving us a soft and soothing vibe to start the day.
Perfect waves rolled toward shore when the flock flew in to say hello. Pelican Highway easily floated southbound over the waves while a solo surfer enjoyed having the ocean to himself
After sunrise I ran into a very loud wood pecker. He said, “Knock knock, I’m here to let you know opportunities are knocking at your door. Stay alert and ready to seize the moment. Be open to old projects returning and new ones taking off, either way, you are supported!”
Wishing you an abundant day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Pelicans and Their Fish Tales
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Pelicans and Their Fish Tales
The first photo is from today which inspired the post sharing 'Fish Tales' from the perspective of the pelican. Each of these had a story to tell when they returned to the flock for a good night sleep.
I've watched while they hold a fish in their pouch for hours contemplating if it's a good idea to try to swallow or let it go.
Most of the time, they know to let it go if it is too large.
The pelican today was holding on for a long time as s/he drifted away pondering what to do.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Be open to change
As I walked to the beach I could feel the energy of the invisible new moon ushering in new and fresh energy. Rain over night added to the fresh feeling of the morning.
The flock flew in before sunrise squaring about the cool air. They used the wind to hang in place and say hello. They darting off and back several times bringing the message of being spontaneous.
Tiger the Heermann's gull was in the flock. He's our celebrity bird who came all the way from California. This is his 4th winter here in New Smyrna beach.
The flock said, “Be open to change and shifting directions. Trust the change is leading you toward your goals, even if they are unexpected. Let your heart guide you to new adventures."
When the sun came up, it looked as if a group of people were meeting in front of the sun. After a few minutes they walked from right to left bringing the message we have support all around.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Tiger the Heermann’s gull
People in the sun walking to the left.
Dig Deep, you got this
Good Morning! Old man winter has brought us another rainy and overcast sunrise. I thought I’d share one of the top 3 wildlife experiences I had in 2023. I’ve seen a handful of momma turtles since picking up photography. They always leave a profound imprint.
On this day in July, the beach was massive making the trek for this Momma very long. At one point a few egrets joined her as if cheering her on, letting her know she wasn’t alone.
I made a video capturing her journey. When I posted this video many people commented saying I should have helped her. The truth is, it is illegal and this is part of the journey of a turtle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39NK9u5v31I&t=38s
She brings us the message of wisdom, strength and resilience. She said, “I know my journey isn’t always easy, but I am built for this."
"My inner knowing tells me where and when to lay my eggs. I’m a reminder that you can trust yourself, even when the path seems daunting. Sure you may have to dig deep to get there, I know if I can do it, so can you. Stay strong!”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Silly Sunrise Video and a sweet Pup
Meet Gravy, he's an old soul with the spirit of a puppy. What fun to hang with he and his Hooman. Witnessing their love was a real treat!
Dog Photoshoots are on sale through Valentine's Day Just $150 from $249.
Stand in the flock long enough and they invite you in :). Ah, the joys of unexpected connections.
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - The Unfolding of a Friendship
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - The Unfolding of a Friendship
One of the first dolphin photos I snapped was a dolphin speeding by with a pelican on his tail. At the time, April 27, 2018, I didn’t know that I would get to know him on a personal level.
Actually I didn't get to know him personally until March 26, 2021, 3 yers later. On this day I was out in the deep end of the lagoon, dolphins were everywhere, when a dolphin underwater came speeding toward me from my left. When he got just a few feet away he popped up, hydroplaned by and I snapped his photo. He definitely had my attention!
I wasn’t sure if he was male or female then so I called him Danika after the female race car driver for his speed. When he showed me his belly and I knew he was male, I changed his name to Daniko.
We have spent many hours together since then. His male bestie is Jasper who also engages and likes to give photo opportunities. He enjoys time with Momma Sarabi and her latest calf. He also spent time with Sarabi and her first bay I met, Simba who is another story to share.
The drone photo is of Daniko closest to the camera, and Momma Sarabi and her calf. That day was mind blowing. I’ll attach a video from that day. Brent Eite with Focal Point Videography and 2 other camera people were present to catch the sweet interaction.
The three of them swam by really slow to say hello. Just before swimming by Daniko wanted to chase a mullet in the shallows so Sarabi went and got him as if saying,”Come on! They are filming! We have to go!" And they glided by pausing in front of the camera.
He loves his fish! He eats mullet the most, but loves redfish, flounder and an occasional jack. On the day of the flounder I was saying, “Daniko! Show me your fish!” He grabbed the fish and swam it by nice and slow, holding it up just a few feet away.
I had no idea when I snapped that first photo, I would get such a personal glimpse into his life. It is truly an honor.
Stay tuned for more tales!
This is the video where you can see Momma Sarabi leave her baby to get Daniko to come be a part of the filming. Not to worry, the baby patiently waits and Sarabi swims right back to her baby giving her a gentle reassuring nose bump.
Sunday sunrise is previous post
4.27.2018
Introducing himself 3.26.21
11.4.22
2.4.23
7.31.23
Look for guideposts
Raindrops keep falling on my head…..Mother Nature brought us a dramatic and gorgeous sunrise with walls of rain on the horizon with huge fluffy clouds. .
The rain eventually made its way to the beach just as the sun was coming up to greet the day.
The dark clouds illuminated 2 channel markers on the horizon bringing us another message. The channel markers said, “When things look and feel ominous, look for the sings to guide you along your path. Guideposts are everywhere, be open to seeing them and they will appear to show you the way.”
Much like a silver lining, a giant heart appeared in the clouds reminding us to find love in the drama.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Can you see the heart in the cloud?
Channel markers lit up to show the way
Lagoon Party
The winter storm sweeping the United States is visiting Florida today, bringing rain and a day of rest.
This is a video I've shared before showing a lagoon party. If you are just tuning in, the pelican next to me is Pip, we were besties for year and a half before he crossed the rainbow bridge.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Thank you Brent Eite with Focal Point Videography for making this video!
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Hanging with Daniko the Dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Hanging with Daniko the Dolphin
After sunrise Daniko the dolphin came into the lagoon and promptly grabbed a fish in the shallows. He stayed, relaxing for a while before leaving.
Much to my surprise he returned with a small dolphin, not his bestie Jasper. Usually Jasper and Daniko are inseparable. Made me wonder if Daniko was playing with one of his kiddos, babysitting or on teaching duty with the little one.
The two of them were very cute, rolling around engaging in gentle hugs and snuggles. It was a sweet connection for sure. After snuggle time, Jasper showed up and the three of them swam off.
Stay tuned for more tales!
Daniko
Little one and Daniko
Snuggles
Hugs
Lovin’
You have an important role, Embrace your uniqueness
Mother Nature brought us a heart opening beautiful morning with sweet friends. The flock of gulls flew in just at first light. One legger, Hook and Peg were in the flock, flying with the moon just behind them.
One Legger said, “The new moon will be here on 1/11 but you may already feel the power of its energy. I’m here to encourage using the new moon energy to let go any doubts now so you can step fully into a fresh start. This moon will help you embrace change and move forward with gusto.”
The sun came up, spreading golden rays like a starburst giving the morning a very cheerful vibe.
On my way off he beach, a solo vulture was standing in the grass. He said, “I know not everyone loves me. I look different and I eat dead stuff but I am a very important part of the eco system.”
“I’m a reminder that each of us has an important role to play. Use your differences to help you pursue opportunities. Seize the moment, grab your goal and most of all, hold your head up hight and be proud of your uniqueness.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
Vulture
Lean in
Good Morning! Mother Nature brought us an overcast, wet and windy kind of morning.
I thought I'd share some beauty from last year to start your day. On this day, the dolphins were leaping and snuggling reminding us to lean in and play.
They remind us how just a few moments of laughter and play can create a shift.
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
These photos are from last year January, I made a sunrise video if you want to see click the link to watch.
Meet in the middle
At first light the soft clouds soaked up an intense and gorgeous pink color show. The swirly clouds felt like a comforting and blanket. The chatty flock flew in for bath time and a little chat.
When the sun came up the color scheme changed to a golden warm cow creating a lovely shimmer on the ocean. The pink and gold eventually faded, leaving behind a soothing bluish, grey sky. Pelican Highway looked beautiful as they floated with ease southbound over the waves.
One Legger and friend bring us the message of meeting in the middle. They said, “We bring the message of working together in symbiotic relationships. We know the power of meeting halfway, you see collaboration brings a beautiful unity which helps us not only survive, but thrive.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Meet in the middle
Let’s get close, One step at a time
Weeeeeee! Jack Frost was nipping at my nose with the whipping wind coming from the north. The sun came up behind a auburn striped sky, brining it with warmth.
A very chatty flock in before the sunrise and used the wind to hang in place really close.
They said, “We highly recommend getting close, it helps us stay warm and connect. Harness all your resources to help you reach your goal.”
Once they were on they enjoyed a short bath time and rest. One of the gulls added to the message by saying, “When you feel overwhelmed just keep stopping forward. Take a deep breath and break it down to one step at a time.”
Wishing you a beautiful day friends!
One step at a time
New Year’s Day Adventure
Tales from a Different Part of the Lagoon ~ Episode -New Years Day Adventure
I like to spend New Years Day in a way that sets the energy for the year. After sunrise I could see the white pelicans in the distance hanging out on an island so I hopped on my paddle board and headed their way.
So many birds! White pelicans, brown pelicans, skimmers, terns, sandwich terns, and sand pipers. They were all flocked together in the sun to rest and keep warm.
I was standing in the water taking the photos when a baby shark swam by and a brown pelican headed right for me. I was surprised to see Rusty my pelican friend fly in and hang out too! And right behind him was Hook, a mature pelican. Those two are inseparable.
On the way home I saw a pod of dolphins too! One of them swam over….it was Uncle Larry! Since I was standing on my board, I was bale to get a photo from above him showing an old shark bite. Uncle Larry is a tough elder dolphin.
A wonderful start to the new year, looking forward to more adventures!
If you see the birds, please don't approach, they are exhausted and need to rest. These photos were taken from a distance. Thank you!
Stay tuned for more tales!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Sweet connections
Mother Nature brought us a sweet and serene sunrise to start the year. With the absence of wind and a a layer of fog, the morning felt cozy. The flock of gulls was already at the edge of the ocean when I arrived. They were quite chatty and ready for bath.
Pelican Highway was gliding down the shore using the perfect waves to carry them with ease while a large flock of skimmers were flewsouthbound. The waves were rolling toward shore with the pink sky as a beautiful backdrop.
The flock and a dolphin bring us the message of sweet connections. They remind us to slow down to connect with our pod mates. By slowing down you can savor the sweetness.
Wishing you a sweet day friends!
Reflect to move forward
AHHHHHH, not a cloud in the orange filled sky as the sun came up to greet the last day of 2023. The sun seem to take its time giving a lingering kiss good bye as it lifted off to bring warmth to the morning.
A chatty flock flew in with their wings open ready to soak up the sun. With low tide, the wet sand provided us a reflective feeling and message.
One of the laughing gulls looking inward reminds us to use the last day of the year to reflect on the year so we can move forward with ease and open wings, ready to embrace the next chapter.
Another gull with his wings in the air like a touchdown said, “Celebrate the year, all the highs and lows of the year that shaped who you are.”
THANK YOU for all your support this year. It truly means a lot to me. I’m truly grateful to be connected to all of you as we share in the love and beauty all around. Wishing you a prosperous new year in every possible way.
Wishing you a beautiful day!
www.shelleylynchphotos.com
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Close Encounters
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode - Close Encounters
Yesterday the lagoon was cray! The wind was whipping and the water was choppy.
So many dolphins came to play and grab snacks. At one point there much have been 25 dolphins, they were everywhere, making it hard to know where to point my camera.
I don't know if twas the wind, but they stayed in the water rather than flying out. They were snuggling underneath, popping up occasionally.
So fun to be immersed in their world, up close and personal to the action.
More tales to share from yesterday, so stay tuned!
